The Stone of Ps. 118:22

Back to Psalm 118

Introduction

In Ps. 118 a leader of Israel gathers near the temple gates, accompanied by a crowd of Israelites, to give thanks to YHWH in response to YHWH's salvation from distress. Throughout vv. 5-21 this leader narrates YHWH's salvation from distress and expresses his confidence in YHWH's help. After the leader completes his narration in v. 21, the accompanying crowd raises their voice to celebrate YHWH's salvation of the leader from their perspective. They begin their celebratory account, in v. 22, with the following words (according to the traditional Hebrew text):

אֶ֭בֶן מָאֲס֣וּ הַבּוֹנִ֑ים הָ֝יְתָ֗ה לְרֹ֣אשׁ פִּנָּֽה׃

The stone that the builders rejected has become the rosh pinah (lit. "head of a corner").

The crowd thus employs a proverbial statement comparing the leader to a stone that was initially rejected but ultimately exalted as רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה (rosh pinah lit. "head of a corner"). Interpreters differ, however, on what kind of stone is signified by רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה "head of a corner". One scholar has described "a consensus of despair among commentators today". Five common interpretations will be addressed here, illustrated by the following translations:

(1) The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. (ESV, cf. NIV11, KJV, NET, NLT, CSB, GW, NLT, REB, NCV, Kraus, deClaissé-Walford NICOT, Dahood)

(2) The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. (NRSV, cf. NASB, JPS)

(3) The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone. (NIV84, cf. TLV)

(4) The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone of the corner-tower/castle. (Cahill 1999: 357)

(5) The stone the builders rejected has become the top of the corner/head of the corner. (RSV, cf. ASV, YLT, GB, Darby, KJV)

(6) The stone that the builders tossed aside has now become the most important stone. (CEV, cf. ASV, GNB, RSV, YLT, GB, Darby)

The arguments for and against for options 1-5 will be presented in the following five argument maps. No argument map will be presented for option 6, as it simply proposes that no clear conclusion can be reached and offers a generalised non-specific interpretation.

Argument Map(s)

1: Cornerstone

The majority of interpreters and translations read the whole noun phrase רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה as "cornerstone", the first stone of a construction, placed at a corner to orient the remainder of the building. The arguments for and against this interpretation are as follows:

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[Cornerstone]: רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה refers to a cornerstone, the first stone of a building construction by which the whole structure is oriented (HALOT :L:, BDB :L:). #dispreferred
 + <Hebrew Usage>: The phrase אֶבֶן...הָיְתָה לְרֹאשׁ פִּנָּה (lit. a stone... has become a head of a corner) corresponds to the set noun phrase אֶבֶן פִּנָּה (lit. stone of a corner > cornerstone), which appears in Job 38:6. Variations on this phrase also appear in Is. 28:16 and Jer. 51:26 (Allen 2002: 167 :C:). #dispreferred
  + <Job 38:6>: In Job 38:6 the full phrase אֶבֶן פִּנָּה (lit. stone of the corner > cornerstone) appears, referring to the founding cornerstone that YHWH laid in the creation of the world. The context clearly implies a cornerstone, not a capstone. #dispreferred
   + [Job 38:6]: עַל־מָ֭ה אֲדָנֶ֣יהָ הָטְבָּ֑עוּ א֥וֹ מִֽי־יָ֝רָ֗ה אֶ֣בֶן פִּנָּתָֽהּ׃ On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone... #dispreferred
  + <Jer. 51:26>: Jer. 51:26 is a curse on Babylon saying that no stones will be taken from it to be used as cornerstones. This clearly refers to cornerstones (not capstones) and implies that they are important and precious, just like in Ps. 118:22. The phrase here אֶבֶן לְפִנָּה (lit. a stone for a corner) corresponds very closely with the phrase אֶבֶן פִּנָּה (stone of a corner) which appears in Job. 38:6.  #dispreferred
   + [Jer. 51:26]:  וְלֹֽא־יִקְח֤וּ מִמְּךָ֙ אֶ֣בֶן לְפִנָּ֔ה וְאֶ֖בֶן לְמֽוֹסָד֑וֹת כִּֽי־שִׁמְמ֥וֹת עוֹלָ֛ם תִּֽהְיֶ֖ה נְאֻם־יְהוָֽה׃ No stone shall be taken from you for a corner and no stone for a foundation, but you shall be a perpetual waste, declares the LORD. #dispreferred
  + <Is. 28:16>: Very similar language is found in Is. 28:16 which clearly describes a cornerstone, the founding stone, being laid by YHWH in Zion. The phrase אֶבֶן בֹּחַן פִּנַּת (lit. a stone of testing, a corner (implied: cornerstone) of...) also closely corresponds to the phrase אֶבֶן פִּנָּה (stone of a corner) which appears in Job. 38:6. #dispreferred
   + [Is. 28:16]:  לָכֵ֗ן כֹּ֤ה אָמַר֙ אֲדֹנָ֣י יְהוִ֔ה הִנְנִ֛י יִסַּ֥ד בְּצִיּ֖וֹן אָ֑בֶן אֶ֣בֶן בֹּ֜חַן פִּנַּ֤ת יִקְרַת֙ מוּסָ֣ד מוּסָּ֔ד therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’#dispreferred
  <_ <Presence of רֹאשׁ in Ps. 118:22>: In Ps. 118:22 פִּנָּה appears in a different construct chain with רֹאשׁ (head), making the noun-phrase "head of the corner" instead of just "stone of the corner" (> cornerstone). None of the parallels with Job 38:6, Jer. 51:26, and Is. 28:16 account for the presence of  רֹאשׁ (head) in Ps. 118:22.  
 + <Ancient Support>: LXX and Vulgate preserve the ambiguous phrase "head of a corner" (κεφαλὴν γωνίας / caput anguli), but Symmachus translates the phrase with ἀκρογωνιαῖος. #dispreferred
  + <ἀκρογωνιαῖος = cornerstone>: In Isa 28:16 ἀκρογωνιαῖος is used explicitly to describe a cornerstone, and this is supported by Greek Lexica. #dispreferred
   + [LXX Isa 28:16]: ἐγὼ ἐμβάλλω εἰς τὰ θεμέλια Σειὼν λίθον πολυτελῆ ἐκλεκτὸν ἀκρογωνιαῖον ἔντιμον, εἰς τὰ θεμέλια αὐτῆς. #dispreferred
   + [LSJ]: ἀκρο-γωνιαῖος, α, ον, at the extreme angle, ἀ. λίθος corner foundation-stone, LXX Is. 28.16, Ep.Eph. 2.20. #dispreferred
   <_ [BDAG]: According to BDAG the term is ambiguous and can mean either "cornerstone" or "capstone". 
 - <Incoherence in Context>: "The structure of the proverb involves two steps, first rejection, and then being chosen for a prominent position. This simply does not fit the role of the cornerstone, which is chosen at the initial stage." (Cahill 1999: 350).
  <_ <New Building>: It is possible that the "cornerstone" was rejected for one building but chosen as the cornerstone for a new construction.  #dispreferred
   <_ <No Clear Indication>: There is nothing in the surrounding context to suggest more than one construction (Zenger 2011: 241-42 :C:)
    <_ <Possible Indication>: Perhaps the very mention of a cornerstone is an indication of a new construction. The fact that אֶבֶן (a stone) and רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה (a head(stone) of a corner) are indefinite mean that we could be speaking about any stone that was rejected becoming a cornerstone of a new construction.  #dispreferred
     <_ <The Builders>: The singular reference to "the builders" coheres naturally with the builders of one construction. "The builders finished the building, and then the moment came for the final stone to be put in place; they rummaged among the rubble of remaining stones and chose one." (Cahill 1999:350). 
   <_ <Weakens Rhetorical Force>: "...the proverb has more punch if it is understood to refer to the successive stages in one and the same process or project" (Cahill 1999: 350). 
 - <רֹאשׁ>: Translating the noun phrase רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה as "cornerstone" does not account for the word רֹאשׁ. Only if the verse read אֶבֶן מָאֲסוּ הַבּוֹנִים הָיְתָה לְפִנָּה׃ or אֶבֶן מָאֲסוּ הַבּוֹנִים הָיְתָה לְאֶבֶן פִנָּה׃, without the word רֹאשׁ, then it would be plausible to translate it as "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone", with close parallels to Job 38:16, Jer. 51:26, and Is. 28:16.

2: Chief Cornerstone

In argument map #1 above (Cornerstone), it was shown that there are two main problems with the translation "cornerstone". The first was incoherence in context, and the second, crucially, was the inability to account for the presence of the word רֹאשׁ (head). This second interpretation (chief cornerstone - cf. NRSV, NASB, JPS), seeks to overcome this second problem. The only difference between this argument map and argument map #1 (Cornerstone) is with regards to רֹאשׁ (head). Therefore, the other arguments of argument map #1 (Cornerstone) are abbreviated here.

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[Chief Cornerstone]: רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה refers to a chief cornerstone, the first stone of a building construction by which the whole structure is oriented (HALOT :L:, BDB :L:). #dispreferred
 + <Hebrew Usage>: The phrase אֶבֶן...הָיְתָה לְרֹאשׁ פִּנָּה (lit. a stone... has become a head of a corner) corresponds to the set noun phrase אֶבֶן פִּנָּה (lit. stone of a corner > cornerstone), which appears in Job 38:6. Variations on this phrase also appear in Is. 28:16 and Jer. 51:26 (Allen 2002: 167 :C:). #dispreferred
 + <Ancient Support>: LXX and Vulgate preserve the ambiguous phrase "head of a corner" (κεφαλὴν γωνίας / caput anguli), but Symmachus translates the phrase with ἀκρογωνιαῖος. #dispreferred
 - <Incoherence in Context>: "The structure of the proverb involves two steps, first rejection, and then being chosen for a prominent position. This simply does not fit the role of the cornerstone, which is chosen at the initial stage." (Cahill 1999: 350).
 + <רֹאשׁ as "chief", "choicest", or "best">: The word רֹאשׁ can mean "chief" (DCH :L: HALOT :L: BDB :L:), "choicest" (DCH :L: BDB :L:), or "best" (BDB :L:). רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה is then translated, for example, as "chief cornerstone" (NASB, NRSV, JPS). #dispreferred
  - <Incoherence>: Translating רֹאשׁ as "chief", "choicest", or "best", can mean either that (1) it is the "chief" or "most important" among multiple cornerstones, or that (2) by being the "cornerstone" it is also "chief" or "most important". Neither option is coherent. 
   + <Only One Cornerstone>: The very nature of a cornerstone is that it is the only one, so it is incoherent to say, according to meaning (1), that there are multiple cornerstones. 
   + <Tautology>: The very nature of a cornerstone is that it is "chief" or "most important", so further describing it, according to meaning (2), as "chief" is semantically redundant.
    <_ <Poetry>: Semantic redundancy can be exploited for poetic reasons. #dispreferred
    - <Apposition>: The phrase רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה is an appositional phrase: "The stone... has become the chief, the cornerstone". #dispreferred
     + <Similar Appositional Phrases>: There are at least two cases where an appositional phrase occurs after the היה ל construction (expressing a change of state "has become"), wherein the second element of the appositional phrase is not introduced by the ל preposition. #dispreferred
      + [Is. 9:4]: כִּ֤י כָל־סְאוֹן֙ סֹאֵ֣ן בְּרַ֔עַשׁ וְשִׂמְלָ֖ה מְגוֹלָלָ֣ה בְדָמִ֑ים וְהָיְתָ֥ה לִשְׂרֵפָ֖ה מַאֲכֹ֥לֶת אֵֽשׁ׃ For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood	will be burned as fuel for the fire (lit. will become a burning (שְׂרֵפָה), fuel for the fire (מַאֲכֹלֶת אֵשׁ)). #dispreferred
      + [Zeph. 2:15]: ...זֹ֞֠את הָעִ֤יר הָעַלִּיזָה֙...אֵ֣יךְ ׀ הָיְתָ֣ה לְשַׁמָּ֗ה מַרְבֵּץ֙ לַֽחַיָּ֔ה This is the exultant city...  How she has become a desolation, a lair for wild beasts! #dispreferred
      <_ <Length of Examples>: In both Is. 9:4 and Zeph. 2:15 the second element of the appositional phrase is a phrase in itself (construct chain in Is 9:4 and prepositional phrase in Zeph 2:15), in contrast to the single word פִּנָּה in Ps. 118:22. 
      <_ <More Common Alternative>: It is more common in these constructions for the ְל preposition to precede all elements of the appositional phrase.
       + [E.g. Deut 28:37]: וְהָיִ֣יתָ לְשַׁמָּ֔ה לְמָשָׁ֖ל וְלִשְׁנִינָ֑ה בְּכֹל֙ הָֽעַמִּ֔ים And you shall become a horror, a proverb, and a byword among all the peoples... (see also Isa 55:13, Jer 44:6, and Jer 44:12). 
     <_ <Masoretic Accents>: The Masoretic accents support reading רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה as a construct chain, not in apposition.
     <_ <Ancient Translations>: All ancient versions support reading רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה as a construct chain, not in apposition.
  + <In construct chain>: The noun רֹאשׁ can mean "chief", "choicest", or "best" in a construct chain (DCH :L: cf. Ezk. 27:22; Ps 137:6; Sng. 4:14). #dispreferred

   

3. Capstone/Top Stone

Reading רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה as "cornerstone" (argument maps #1 and #2) emphasises primarily the combination of אֶבֶן (stone) and פִּנָּה (corner). The most common alternative to this is "capstone", which emphasises instead the combination of אֶבֶן (stone) and רֹאשׁ (head), based on common usage of רֹאשׁ meaning "top" or "highest point" (> "top stone"/"capstone"). Thus the NIV84, for example, translates Ps. 118:22 as "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone" (cf. TLV). Capstone can have various meanings, but the most common meaning in this context is the final stone added to a building "that signals the completion of the building". The capstone is therefore the exact opposite of the "cornerstone", which signals the beginning of the building's construction. The arguments for and against this view are as follows:

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[Capstone/Top Stone]: The noun-phrase רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה (lit. "head of a corner") refers to a "top stone" or "capstone" (cf. DCH :L:). #dispreferred
 + <רֹאשׁ = cap-/top>: The word רֹאשׁ (head), when combined with אֶבֶן (stone), has the spatial meaning of "top (stone)" or "cap(stone)", which is the final stone completing a building, a "capstone that signals the completion of the building" (Zenger 2011: 241-242 :C:, cf. DCH :L:). #dispreferred
  + <Hebrew Usage of רֹאשׁ>: The word רֹאשׁ often functions as a spatial term signifying the "top" or "highest point" of something (DCH :L: BDB :L: HALOT :L:) #dispreferred
   + [רֹאשׁ as "top" of... / "summit" of...]: Top/summit/highest point of a mountain (Ex. 19:20; 24:17; 34:2) or hill (Ex. 17:9, 10; 2 Sam. 8:25), of rocks (Num 23:9) or crags (2 Chron. 25:12), of tower (Gn 11:4) or stronghold (Jd. 6:26), of ladder (Gn. 28:12) or tree (2 Sm 5:24), of pillar (1 Kg. 7:16), lampstand (Zech. 4:2) and more. #dispreferred
  + <Similarity with Zech. 4:7>: There is only one other place (Zech. 4:7) in the Hebrew Bible where the words אֶבֶן (stone) and רֹאשׁ (head) are combined. Although the meaning of Zech. 4:7 is disputed (for surveys see Wolters 2013:121-132 :C: and Petitjean 1969: 243-51), one of the most common interpretations involves a top stone/capstone, referring to the final stone of the second temple built by Zerubbabel, with an associated celebration. #dispreferred
   + [E.g. Translations]: "Top stone" (ESV, NASB, NRSV, JPS, ASV, YLT), "Capstone" (NIV, CSB, TLV), "Temple Capstone" (NET), "Final stone of the Temple" (NLT), "Headstone" (KJV, Darby), "as you put the last stone in place" (GNB), "Topmost stone" (GW, NCV), "La pierre qui doit être placée au sommet du temple" (BFC). #dispreferred
   + <Presence of רֹאשׁ>: This is the only other place, alongside Ps. 118:22, where a stone is described using the word רֹאשׁ (albeit here in an adjectival form). #dispreferred
   <_ <Presence of פִּנָּה in Ps. 118:22>: The expression in Ps. 118:22 centres not just around the stone being רֹאשׁ (head), but specifically רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה (lit. "head of a corner"). The centrality of פִּנָּה in Ps 118:22, which is absent in Zech. 4:7, diminishes the similarity. 
    - <Construct Chain>: In Ps. 118:22 the concept of a capstone is joined to the noun פִּנָּה in a construct chain. #dispreferred
     <_ <רֹאשׁ vs. אֶבֶן רֹאשָׁה>: In Zech. 4:7 the full phrase אֶבֶן רֹאשָׁה (head-stone/capstone) appears, using an adjectival form of רֹאשׁ, whereas in Ps. 118:22 only the noun רֹאשׁ (head) appears. 
      - <Implied Referent>: The word אֶבֶן, which appears as the subject of the whole clause, is likely implied as the referent of the predicate noun-phrase רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה (lit. "head(stone) of a corner"). #dispreferred
 + <Coherence>: Translating רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה as "capstone" is coherent with both the immediate context of the proverb (118:22) and the wider context of Ps. 118. #dispreferred
  + <In the Proverb>: The proverbial statement by the crowd in Ps. 118:22 "involves two steps, first rejection (the stone the builders rejected...), and then being chosen for a prominent position (has become the capstone). This simply does not fit the role of the cornerstone, which is chosen at the initial stage. Another type of stone is envisaged - one which is used at a subsequent stage. The builders finished the building, and then the moment came for the final stone to be put in place; they rummaged among the rubble of remaining stones and chose one (Cahill 1999: 350). #dispreferred
  + <In the Psalm>: The thrust of the proverb in Ps. 118:22 correlates to the distress and ultimate vindication/victory/exaltation of the leader. Elements of this progression point to a progression from low to high, correlating with the final "high" position of the capstone. #dispreferred
   + [Falling]: The leader describes his distress as being pushed down and falling, implying downward motion (Ps. 118:13). #dispreferred
   + [Exaltation]: YHWH is described as the one who "exalts" (Ps. 118:16), implying he "lifts up" those whom he vindicates and saves. #dispreferred
   + [Procession to the Temple]: The psalm comprises a procession towards the temple, through the temple gates, and towards the altar. Throughout the Hebrew Bible the journey towards Jerusalem and the temple is described as "going up" (e.g. Jer. 31:6; Mic. 4:2; 2 Kgs. 19:14; 20:5; Isa. 37:14;  38:22). #dispreferred
 - <פִּנָּה>: Translating רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה simply as "capstone" does not account in any way for the presence of the word פִּנָּה (corner). 
 <_ <Lack of Attestation>: "A word for "topstone" is otherwise unattested in the ancient Near East" (Wolter 2013:121-132 :C:).

4. Capstone of a Corner-tower

Although argument map #3 (Capstone) above reveals some strong arguments in favour, it also shows that the main problem with the "capstone" interpretation is that it does not account for the presence of פִּנָּה (corner) in Ps. 118:22. In a 1999 article, Michael Cahill has made a proposal which seeks to overcome this problem. He argued that the phrase רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה (head of a corner) should be understood as signifying "capstone" of a "corner-tower". רֹאשׁ (head) thus refers to a "capstone", the final top stone added to a construction, and פִּנָּה (corner) refers to a "corner-tower", the strategic high tower at the corner of a fortress or large construction. Cahill proposes the following four possible translations of Ps. 118:22:

The stone rejected by the builders is now on top of the tower.

The stone rejected by the builders now crowns the castle.

The stone rejected by the builders has become the capstone of the castle.

The stone rejected by the builders is now on the top of the castle.

Building in part on Cahill's work, the arguments for this interpretation are as follows:

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[Capstone of a Corner-tower]: The noun-phrase רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה (lit. "head of a corner") refers to "a capstone of a corner-tower". #dispreferred
 + <רֹאשׁ = cap-/top>: The word רֹאשׁ (head), when combined with אֶבֶן (stone), has the spatial meaning of "top (stone)" or "cap(stone)", which is the final stone completing a building, a "capstone that signals the completion of the building" (Zenger 2011: 241-242 :C:, cf. DCH :L:). #dispreferred
  + <Hebrew Usage of רֹאשׁ>: The word רֹאשׁ often functions as a spatial term signifying the "top" or "highest point" of something (DCH :L: BDB :L: HALOT :L:) #dispreferred
   + [רֹאשׁ as "top" of... / "summit" of...]: Top/summit/highest point of a mountain (Ex. 19:20; 24:17; 34:2) or hill (Ex. 17:9, 10; 2 Sam. 8:25), of rocks (Num 23:9) or crags (2 Chron. 25:12), of tower (Gn 11:4) or stronghold (Jd. 6:26), of ladder (Gn. 28:12) or tree (2 Sm 5:24), of pillar (1 Kg. 7:16), lampstand (Zech. 4:2) and more. #dispreferred
  + <Similarity with Zech. 4:7>: There is only one other place (Zech. 4:7) in the Hebrew Bible where the words אֶבֶן (stone) and רֹאשׁ (head) are combined. Although the meaning of Zech. 4:7 is disputed (for surveys see Wolters 2013:121-132 :C: and Petitjean 1969: 243-51), one of the most common interpretations involves a top stone/capstone, referring to the final stone of the second temple built by Zerubbabel, with an associated celebration. #dispreferred
   + [E.g. Translations]: "Top stone" (ESV, NASB, NRSV, JPS, ASV, YLT), "Capstone" (NIV, CSB, TLV), "Temple Capstone" (NET), "Final stone of the Temple" (NLT), "Headstone" (KJV, Darby), "as you put the last stone in place" (GNB), "Topmost stone" (GW, NCV), "La pierre qui doit être placée au sommet du temple" (BFC). #dispreferred
   + <Presence of רֹאשׁ>: This is the only other place, alongside Ps. 118:22, where a stone is described using the word רֹאשׁ (albeit here in an adjectival form). #dispreferred
   <_ <Presence of פִּנָּה in Ps. 118:22>: The expression in Ps. 118:22 centres not just around the stone being רֹאשׁ (head), but specifically רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה (lit. "head of a corner"). The centrality of פִּנָּה in Ps 118:22, which is absent in Zech. 4:7, diminishes the similarity. 
    - <Construct Chain>: In Ps. 118:22 the concept of a capstone is joined to the noun פִּנָּה in a construct chain. #dispreferred
     <_ <רֹאשׁ vs. אֶבֶן רֹאשָׁה>: In Zech. 4:7 the full phrase אֶבֶן רֹאשָׁה (head-stone/capstone) appears, using an adjectival form of רֹאשׁ, whereas in Ps. 118:22 only the noun רֹאשׁ (head) appears. 
      - <Implied Referent>: The word אֶבֶן, which appears as the subject of the whole clause, is likely implied as the referent of the predicate noun-phrase רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה (lit. "head(stone) of a corner"). #dispreferred
  <_ <Lack of Attestation>: "A word for "topstone" is otherwise unattested in the ancient Near East" (Wolter 2013:121-132 :C:).
 + <פִּנָּה = corner-tower>: The word פִּנָּה "corner" signifies a "corner-tower", the most visible, strategic, and elevated place of a fortress. #dispreferred 
  + <Hebrew Usage of פִּנָּה>: Based on Hebrew usage "corner-tower" is a plausible translation of פִּנָּה. #dispreferred
   + <Literal Examples>: In at least two other places (Zeph. 1:16, 3:6) the word פִּנָּה, by itself, clearly refers to a corner-tower of a fortress. In one other place it is closely associated with towers of a battlement (2 Chron. 26:15). (Cahill 1999:355 :A:) Neh. 3:31 also uses the word פִּנָּה to describe a corner part of the walls. The phrase שַׁעַר הַפִּנָה also appears four times (Jer. 31:38, 2 Kg. 14:13, 2 Chron. 25:23, Zech 14:10), referring to a gate known as "the gate of the פִּנָּה (corner), with the word פִּנָּה here clearly implying "the corner of the walls. #dispreferred
    + [Zeph. 1:15-16]:  י֥וֹם עֶבְרָ֖ה הַיּ֣וֹם הַה֑וּא י֧וֹם צָרָ֣ה...׃ י֥וֹם שׁוֹפָ֖ר וּתְרוּעָ֑ה עַ֚ל הֶעָרִ֣ים הַבְּצֻר֔וֹת וְעַ֖ל הַפִּנּ֥וֹת הַגְּבֹהֽוֹת׃ |  A day of wrath is that day, a day of trouble... A day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and the high corner towers. (NASB) #dispreferred
    + [Zeph. 3:6]: הִכְרַ֣תִּי גוֹיִ֗ם נָשַׁ֨מּוּ֙ פִּנּוֹתָ֔ם הֶחֱרַ֥בְתִּי חֽוּצוֹתָ֖ם מִבְּלִ֣י עוֹבֵ֑ר נִצְדּ֧וּ עָרֵיהֶ֛ם מִבְּלִי־אִ֖ישׁ מֵאֵ֥ין יוֹשֵֽׁב׃ | I have cut off nations; Their corner towers are in ruins. I have made their streets desolate, With no one passing by; Their cities are laid waste, Without a man, without an inhabitant. (NASB) #dispreferred
    + [2 Chron. 26:15a]: וַיַּ֣עַשׂ ׀ בִּירוּשָׁלִַ֨ם חִשְּׁבֹנ֜וֹת מַחֲשֶׁ֣בֶת חוֹשֵׁ֗ב לִהְי֤וֹת עַל־הַמִּגְדָּלִים֙ וְעַל־הַפִּנּ֔וֹת לִירוֹא֙ בַּֽחִצִּ֔ים וּבָאֲבָנִ֖ים גְּדֹל֑וֹת | In Jerusalem he made engines of war invented by skillful men to be on the towers and on the corners for the purpose of shooting arrows and great stones. #dispreferred
    <_ <Plural vs. Singular>: In these verses the noun is plural (פִּנּוֹת), whereas in Ps. 118:22 it is singular (פִּנָּה).
     <_ <Different Context>: A singular form is perfectly possible, especially in a different context which focuses on the final elevated stone added to complete one specific corner-tower. #dispreferred
    + <LXX>: Zeph. 1:15-16, 3:6, and 2 Chron 26:15 are all rendered in LXX with the noun γωνία, the same noun used for פִּנָּה in Ps. 118:22. (HALOT :L:) #dispreferred
    + [Neh. 3:31-32]:  אַחֲרָ֣יו הֶחֱזִ֗יק מַלְכִּיָּה֙ בֶּן־הַצֹּ֣רְפִ֔י עַד־בֵּ֥ית הַנְּתִינִ֖ים וְהָרֹכְלִ֑ים נֶ֚גֶד שַׁ֣עַר הַמִּפְקָ֔ד וְעַ֖ד עֲלִיַּ֥ת הַפִּנָּֽה׃ |  After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, carried out repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and of the merchants, in front of the Inspection Gate and as far as the upper room of the corner. (NASB) #dispreferred
   + <Metaphorical Examples>: In at least three verses leaders of the people are described as פִּנּוֹת (Judg. 20:2, 1 Sam. 14:38, Isa. 19:13). This is probably a metaphorical expansion of the use of פִּנָּה as "corner-tower" (cf. HALOT :L:). Leaders are associated with the high, strategic, and conspicuous part of a fortress. This metaphorical usage applied to human leaders further strengthens the association with similar usage in Ps. 118:22. #dispreferred
    + [E.g. 1 Sam. 14:38]: וַיֹּ֣אמֶר שָׁא֔וּל גֹּ֣שֽׁוּ הֲלֹ֔ם כֹּ֖ל פִּנּ֣וֹת הָעָ֑ם וּדְע֣וּ וּרְא֔וּ בַּמָּ֗ה הָֽיְתָ֛ה הַחַטָּ֥את הַזֹּ֖את הַיּֽוֹם׃ | Saul said, “Draw near here, all you chiefs (lit. corners) of the people, and investigate and see how this sin has happened today. (NASB) #dispreferred
    + <Common Metaphor>: Throughout the Hebrew Bible, and very often in the Psalms, physical fortifications/structures of a city are often used metaphorically for people or for God. #dispreferred
     + [E.g. God as a Strong Tower (מִגְדַּל־עֹז)]: Ps. 61:3. #dispreferred
     + [E.g. Israelite daughters described as corner pillars]: Ps. 144:12. #dispreferred
  + <Historical References>: There are many historical references to ancient Israelite towers built at a "corner" (e.g. the corner where two walls meet), indicating "corner-tower" would have been a well-known structure. A striking example is 2 Chron. 26:9, where King Uzziah builds towers (מִגְדָּלִים) at the Corner Gate (שַׁעַר הַפִּנָּה) and at the Miqtsoa (מִקְצוֹעַ), which probably refers to a corner of the walls and is synonymous with פִּנָּה. #dispreferred
   + [2 Chron. 26:9]: וַיִּ֨בֶן עֻזִּיָּ֤הוּ מִגְדָּלִים֙ בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם עַל־שַׁ֧עַר הַפִּנָּ֛ה וְעַל־שַׁ֥עַר הַגַּ֖יְא וְעַל־הַמִּקְצ֑וֹעַ וַֽיְחַזְּקֵֽם׃ | Moreover, Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate and at the Valley Gate and at the corner buttress (הַמִּקְצ֑וֹעַ) and fortified them. (NASB) #dispreferred
   + <מִקְצוֹעַ = פִּנָּה>: In Neh. 3:24 the words מִקְצוֹעַ and פִּנָּה are used interchangeably to refer to a corner of the Jerusalem wall. #dispreferred
  + <Archaeology>: Recent excavations in Jerusalem have uncovered a corner tower probably from the Monarchic period. The tower was "built of carved stones of unusual beauty". #dispreferred
   + [2010 Discovery]: "The section of the city wall revealed, 70 meters long and six meters high, is located in the area known as the Ophel, between the City of David and the southern wall of the Temple Mount. Uncovered in the city wall complex are: ...a corner tower that overlooks a substantial section of the adjacent Kidron valley...Between the large tower at the city gate and the royal building the archaeologists uncovered a section of the corner tower that is eight meters in length and six meters high. The tower was built of carved stones of unusual beauty." (Eilat 2010 Hebrew University, cf. Winderbaum 2022, "Jerusalem's Growth in Light of the Renewed Excavations in the Ophel" (Tel Aviv, 49:2, 149-190 :A:). #dispreferred
  <_ <No Indication in Text>: Although "corner-tower" is a plausible translation of פִּנָּה, there is nothing in the text itself that hints at a corner-tower. 
  <_ <Lacks Uniqueness>: Presumably an ancient construction would have multiple corner towers. This diminishes the supposed uniqueness of a capstone in a corner tower. 
 + <Coherence>: Translating רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה as "capstone of a corner-tower" is coherent with both the immediate context of the proverb (118:22) and the wider context of Ps. 118. #dispreferred
  + <In the Proverb>: The proverbial statement by the crowd in Ps. 118:22 "involves two steps, first rejection (the stone the builders rejected...), and then being chosen for a prominent position (has become the capstone). This simply does not fit the role of the cornerstone, which is chosen at the initial stage. Another type of stone is envisaged - one which is used at a subsequent stage. The builders finished the building, and then the moment came for the final stone to be put in place; they rummaged among the rubble of remaining stones and chose one (Cahill 1999: 350). #dispreferred
  + <In the Psalm>: The thrust of the proverb in Ps. 118:22 correlates to the distress and ultimate vindication/victory/exaltation of the leader. Elements of this progression point to a progression from low to high, correlating with the final "high" position of the capstone. #dispreferred
   + [Falling]: The leader describes his distress as being pushed down and falling, implying downward motion (Ps. 118:13). #dispreferred
   + [Exaltation]: YHWH is described as the one who "exalts" (Ps. 118:16), implying he "lifts up" those whom he vindicates and saves. #dispreferred
   + [Procession to the Temple]: The psalm comprises a procession towards the temple, through the temple gates, and towards the altar. Throughout the Hebrew Bible the journey towards Jerusalem and the temple is described as "going up" (e.g. Jer. 31:6; Mic. 4:2; 2 Kgs. 19:14; 20:5; Isa. 37:14;  38:22). #dispreferred

5. Top of the Corner

The strength of argument map #4 (Capstone of a Corner-tower) is that it accounts for both רֹאשׁ (head > cap(stone)), and פִּנָּה (corner > corner-tower). However, it was also shown that there is nothing in the text itself to support reading פִּנָּה as a corner-tower, along with "corner-towers" lacking the uniqueness implied by the text. This final argument map therefore presents a simpler solution, reading the phrase רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה as "top of the corner", according to the straightforward meaning of רֹאשׁ as "top" and פִּנָּה as "corner".

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[Top of the corner]: The noun-phrase רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה refers simply to the "top of the corner", implying that the rejected stone has become a stone placed at the top of a corner of the structure. "It must be a corner-stone in an upper part of the building" (Zenger 2011:242). 
 + <רֹאשׁ = top>: The word רֹאשׁ simply means "top" or "highest" point. 
  + <Hebrew Usage of רֹאשׁ>: The word רֹאשׁ often functions as a spatial term signifying the "top" or "highest point" of something (DCH :L: BDB :L: HALOT :L:).
   + [רֹאשׁ as "top of..." / "summit of..."]: Top/summit/highest point of a mountain (Ex. 19:20; 24:17; 34:2) or hill (Ex. 17:9, 10; 2 Sam. 8:25), of rocks (Num 23:9) or crags (2 Chron. 25:12), of tower (Gn 11:4) or stronghold (Jd. 6:26), of ladder (Gn. 28:12) or tree (2 Sm 5:24), of pillar (1 Kg. 7:16), lampstand (Zech. 4:2) and more.
 + <פִּנָּה = corner>: The word פִּנָּה simply means "corner", probably the corner of a structure. 
  + <Hebrew Usage of פִּנָּה>: The most common and default meaning of פִּנָּה is "corner", often the corner of a structure (DCH :L: BDB :L: HALOT :L:).
   + [פִּנָּה as "corner of..."]: walls of Jerusalem (Neh. 3:24, 31-32; 2 Kg. 14:13), house (Jb. 1:19), roof (Prv. 7:12), street (2 Chron. 28:24), altar (Ezk. 43:20; 45:19), stand (1 Kg. 7:34), and more. 
 <_ <Lack of Attestation>: In contrast to a "cornerstone", which is a known stone of significance in the ancient world, there is no known attestation to a stone at the "top of a corner" being a stone of special significance. #dispreferred
  <_ <Architectural Significance>: The top of a corner of a construction is a place of importance, insofar as it is visible from multiple angles and offers a vantage point looking in multiple directions.
 + <Coherence>: Translating רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה as "top of the corner" implies that the rejected stone is ultimately placed at the top of a corner of the structure being built. This is coherent with both the immediate context of the proverb (118:22) and the wider context of Ps. 118. 
  + <In the Proverb>: The proverbial statement by the crowd in Ps. 118:22 "involves two steps, first rejection (the stone the builders rejected...), and then being chosen for a prominent position (has become the capstone). This simply does not fit the role of the cornerstone, which is chosen at the initial stage. Another type of stone is envisaged - one which is used at a subsequent stage. The builders finished the building, and then the moment came for the final stone to be put in place; they rummaged among the rubble of remaining stones and chose one (Cahill 1999: 350). 
  + <In the Psalm>: The thrust of the proverb in Ps. 118:22 correlates to the distress and ultimate vindication/victory/exaltation of the leader. Elements of this progression point to a progression from low to high, correlating with the final "high" position at the top of a corner. 
   + [Falling]: The leader describes his distress as being pushed down and falling, implying downward motion (Ps. 118:13). 
   + [Exaltation]: YHWH is described as the one who "exalts" (Ps. 118:16), implying he "lifts up" those whom he vindicates and saves. 
   + [Procession to the Temple]: The psalm comprises a procession towards the temple, through the temple gates, and towards the altar. Throughout the Hebrew Bible the journey towards Jerusalem and the temple is described as "going up" (e.g. Jer. 31:6; Mic. 4:2; 2 Kgs. 19:14; 20:5; Isa. 37:14;  38:22).  
 + <Ancient Support>: Ancient Versions support reading רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה as "top of the corner". 
  + <LXX and Jerome>: Both LXX and Jerome preserve the simple wording "head of a corner" (κεφαλὴν γωνίας / caput anguli), naturally understood as "top of the corner". They saw no need to identify here a special stone like a "cornerstone" or a "capstone", as "top of the corner" already had a clear meaning. 
  + <Syriac Peshitta>: The Syriac Peshitta translates פִּנָּה as ܕܒܢܝܢܐ "building" (equivalent to Hebrew בִּנְיָן). Although not an exact parallel, this correlates to the implied general meaning of פִּנָּה as "corner" of a structure/building, and preserves the same syntax as "top of the corner", with the construct chain.  
   + [Peshitta]: ܟܐܦܐ ܕܐܣܠܝܘ ܒ̈ܢܝܐ܂ ܗܝ ܗܘܬ ܠܪܝܫܗ ܕܒܢܝܢܐ܂ "The stone that the builders rejected has become the head of the building". 
 + <Simplicity>: Reading רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה as "top of the corner" is a simple solution insofar as it follows default/common meanings of both words present (רֹאשׁ and פִּנָּה), and preserves the syntax and word order of the Hebrew text. 

Conclusion

In the above argument maps five options have been considered. It was shown that (1) "cornerstone" emphasises the combination of אֶבֶן (stone) and פִּנָּה (corner), but struggles to account for the word רֹאשׁ (head), along with overall incoherence in context. (2) "Chief Cornerstone" makes some progress in accounting for the word רֹאשׁ (head), but also faces the issue of incoherence. Meanwhile, (3) "capstone" emphasises the combination of אֶבֶן (stone) and רֹאשׁ (head), but struggles to account for the word פִּנָּה (corner). This leads to (4) "Capstone of a Corner-tower", which makes an interesting case for reading פִּנָּה as a corner-tower in a fortress. However, this is somewhat speculative and nothing in the text clearly indicates this.

Finally, a proposal has been made in argument map #5 for reading רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה as "top of the corner". This solution does not pretend to identify anything technical or concrete but retains the common usage of רֹאשׁ, meaning "top" or "highest point", and the basic meaning of פִּנָּה, meaning "corner", probably of a structure.

We conclude that a stone becoming the top of a corner means the stone is placed at the top of a corner. On that basis, all that can be said with confidence is that the stone that was rejected is then vindicated and placed in a high and prominent position at the top of a corner. The stone has been exalted to a literally high position.

This does not necessarily refer, then, to a specific architectural stone like a cornerstone or a capstone. It does, however, emphasise the high, prominent, and visible position of the exalted stone.

This solution finds support in the LXX and Jerome, and it is also coherent both with the proverbial statement of v. 22 and the overall context of Ps. 118.

Although other options are possible, the evidence does not give confidence in an interpretation more specific than this:

אֶ֭בֶן מָאֲס֣וּ הַבּוֹנִ֑ים הָ֝יְתָ֗ה לְרֹ֣אשׁ פִּנָּֽה׃ | The stone that the builders rejected has become the top of the corner.

Research

Translations

Ancient

• LXX: λίθον, ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας·
  • A stone which the builders rejected, this one became the head of the corner. (NETS)
• Sym.: ...ἀκρογωνιαῖος
• Syr.: ܟܐܦܐ ܕܐܣܠܝܘ ܒ̈ܢܝܐ݂. ܗܝ݂ ܗܘܬ ܠܪܝܫܗ ܕܒܢܝܢܐ.
  • The stone that the builders rejected has become the head of the building. (Antioch Bible, Richard A. Taylor (trans.) 2020).
• Tg.: טליא שׁביקו ארדיכליא הות ביני בניא דישׁי וזכה לאתמנאה למליך ושׁולטן׃
  • The child the builders abandoned was among the sons of Jesse; and he was worthy to be appointed king and ruler. (Targums English 2015 Oaktree Software)
• Jer.: lapis quem reprobaverunt aedificantes factus est in caput anguli

Modern

• "cornerstone" (ESV, NIV11, KJV, NET, NLT, CSB, GW, NLT, REB, NCV, Kraus, deClaissé-Walford NICOT, Dahood)

• "chief cornerstone" (NRSV, NASB, JPS)

• "capstone" (NIV84, TLV)

• "capstone of the corner-tower/castle"(Cahill 1999: 357)

• "the head(= top) of the corner (RSV, cf. ASV, YLT, GB, Darby, KJV)

• "the most important stone" (CEV, cf. ASV, GNB, RSV, YLT, GB, Darby)

Secondary Literature

Lexicons

• BDB - פִּנָּה < פנן:

6434, 6438 פִּנָּה 28 n. f. corner;—abs. ‏פ׳‎ 2 K 14:13 +, cstr. ‏פִּנַּת‎ Je 31:40 +; sf. ‏פִּנָּתָהּ‎ Jb 38:9, ‏פִּנָּהּ‎ Pr 7:8 (Ges§ 91 e); pl. ‏פִּנּוֹת‎ abs. Zp 1:16, 2 Ch 26:15, ‏פִּנִּים‎ Zc 14:10; cstr. ‏פִּנּוֹת 1 K 7:34 +, etc.;— 1. a. corner, of square objects 1 K 7:34 + v:30 (rd. ‏פִּנּוֹתָיו‎ for ‏פַּעֲמֹתָיו‎, cf. Kit), Ex 27:2, 38:2, Ez 43:20, 45:19; of house Jb 1:19, roof Pr 7:12, 21:9 = 25:24; ‏אֶבֶן לְפ׳‎ Je 51:26 i.e. a corner-stone; ‏אֶבֶן פ׳‎ of earth Jb 38:9; cf. (fig.) ψ 118:22, and (‏אבן om.) Is 28:16; פ׳ = street-corner 2 Ch 28:24.

• HALOT

etymology uncertain, see THAT 2:433, perhaps from root פנן, a by-form of פנה (Gesenius-B. 650a); SamP. fanna; Ug. pnt (Gordon Textbook §19:2067: “corners of the back”, meaning vertebrae, cf. Fisher Parallels 1: p. 316 entry 468; Driver Myths2 445, 156a; Caquot-S. Textes 137u :: Aistleitner 2230 p. 257: surface); cs. פִּנַּת, sf. ‏פִּנָּתָם‎, cj. Pr 78 for ‏פִּנָּהּ rd. ‏פִּנָּה‎ cf. v.12, pl. ‏פִּנּוֹת, ‏פִּנִּים‎ Zech 1410, sf. ‏פִּנֹּתָיו, פִּנּוֹתָם.

1. a. corner, → *זָוִית: of ‏בַּיִת‎ Jb 119, מִזְבֵּחַ Ex 272 382, שַׁעַר Jr 3140, ‏חוֹמָה Neh 324 (see c), ‏מְכֹנָה 1K 734, עֲזָרָה Ezk 4320 4519, שׁוּק  [vol. 3, p. 945]  Pr 78, רְחֹבוֹת and ‏חוּץ‎ 712, cf. ‏פִּנָּה street corner 2C 2824, גָּג Pr 219 2524; עֲלִיַּת הַפִּנָּה corner balcony Neh 331f → עֲלִיָּה 5; —b. אֶבֶן פִּנָּה corner-stone (Galling Fschr. Rudolph 72f; Dalman Arbeit 7:66f) Jb 386, > פִּנָּה Is 2816 Jr 5136; רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה Ps 11822 (Kraus BK 155:983f); —c. the corner of a wall, as in שַׁעַר הַפִּנָּה the corner gate, at the north-west corner of the new city (BRL2 161b) 2K 1413 Jr 3138 2C 269, cj. 2C 2523 for הַפּוֹנֶה rd. ‏הַפִּנָּה‎, → ‏פנה qal, corresponding to הַפִּנִּים שַׁעַר Zech 1410, really ? “corner of the battlements”; on the masc. pl. as a “group plural”, cf. Michel Grundlegung 1:40ff.

2. battlements Zeph 116 2C 2615 (parallel with מִגְדָּלִים), Sir 502.

3. corner-stone, corner tower, metaphorical for chieftain, leader Ju 202 1S 1438 Is 1913 (for פִּנַּת prp. pl. ‏פִּנֹּת‎ or collective singular, see Wildberger BK 10:702), Zeph 36 (parallel with גּוֹיִם) :: Sept. γωνίαι suggesting battlements (ZürBib., also NRSV, cf. REB: bastions) or mountains (e.g. Elliger ATD 256:76; Rudolph KAT 13/3:284), Zech 104 (parallel with יָתֵד corner-stone and tent-peg). †

• DCH

1. corner...

2a. corner-stone, i.e. foundation stone, e.g. of Jerusalem (Is 28:16), from a mountain (Jr 51:26), of the heavenly sanctuary (4QShirShabbd 1.141), <SUBJ> הלל pi. praise 4QShirShabbd 1.141. <NOM CL> היאה … פנת יקר it is a corner-stone of the precious (stone), i.e. a precious corner-stone 1QS 87. <OBJ> יסד pi. establish Is 28:16, אחז pi. make fast Jb 26:9 (if em. פְּנֵי־כִסֵּה surface of the throne to פִּנִּי־כִסֹּה corner-stones of his throne* or פִּנֵּי־כִסֵּה corner-stones of the throne). <CSTR> פִּנַּת יִקְרַת corner-stone of the precious (stone) of the foundation, i.e. a precious corner-stone Is 28:16; sim. 1QS 87, פנות מבניתו corner-stones of its structure 4QShirShabbd 1.141; 11QShirShabb 108 ([פנ]ות), פִּנִּי־כִסֹּה corner-stones of the throne Jb 26:9 (if em.; see Obj.), פִּנֵי־כִסֵּה corner-stones of the throne Jb 26:9 (if em.; see Obj.); אבן פנת stone of a corner-stone of 2QapProph 16, כל פנות all the corner-stones 4QShirShabbd 1.141. <APP> אֶבֶן stone Is 28:16, 16, חוֹמָה wall 1QS 87. <PREP> לְ of purpose, for, + לקח take Jr 51:26; עַל upon, + פרשׁ pilel spread Jb 26:9 (if em.; see Obj.). <COLL> פִּנָּה ‖ מוֹסָד foundation Jr 51:26, יְסוֹד foundation 4QShir Shabbd 1.141 (י[סודי]), עַמּוּד pillar 4QShirShabbd 1.141.

2b. capstone, the topmost stone in a building, <CSTR> רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה capstone, lit. ‘top of the corner’ Ps 118:22, אֶבֶן פִּנָּתָהּ stone of its capstone Jb 38:6.

2c. chief, leader, i.e. corner-stone used metaphorically, of Israelites (Jg 20:2; 1 S 14:38; Zc 10:4), of Egyptians (Is 19:13), sing. as collective (Is 19:13), <SUBJ> יצב htp. position oneself Jg 20:2, יצא go out Zc 10:4, נגשׁ approach 1 S 14:38, ידע know 1 S 14:38, ראה see 1 S 14:38, תעה hi. lead astray Is 19:13. <CSTR> פִּנַּת שְׁבָטֶיהָ chiefs of her tribes Is 19:13 (or em. פִּנֹּת chiefs of), פִּנּוֹת הָעָם chiefs of the people 1 S 14:38, כָּל־הָעָם of all the people Jg 20:2, שְׁבָטֶיהָ of her tribes Is 19:13 (פִּנֹּת; if em.; see above); כֹּל פִּנּוֹת all the chiefs 1 S 14:38. <APP> אִישׁ man Jg 20:2. <COLL> פִּנָּה ‖ שַׂר prince Is 19:13 (or em.; see Subj.), יָתֵד peg Zc 10:4, קֶשֶׁת bow Zc 10:4, נֹגֵשׂ ruler Zc 10:4.

3. battlement, <SUBJ> שׁמם ni. be desolated Zp 3:6. <CSTR> פנות מעון battlements of the (holy) dwelling place Si 50:2 (or em. מָעוֹז battlements of strength, i.e. מָעוֹז II); קיר פנות wall of battlements of Si 50:2. <PREP> עַל against Zp 1:16; upon, + היה be 2 C 26:15. <ADJ> גָּבֹהַּ high Zp 1:16. <COLL> פִּנָּה ‖ מִגְדָּל tower 2 C 26:15, עִיר city Zp 1:16; 3:6, חוּץ street Zp 3:6.

4. Corner (Gate), a gate of Jerusalem, prob. on western wall following Gate of Ephraim, <CSTR> שַׁעַר הַפִּנָּה gate of the corner 2 K 14:13‖2 C 25:23() (L הַפּוֹנֶה appar. the turning gate) Jr 31:38; 2 C 26:9, שַׁעַר הַפִּנִּים gate of the corners Zc 14:10.

Synonyms: §1 מִקְצֹעַ corner; §2a מוֹסָד foundation, יְסוֹד foundation, עַמּוּד pillar; §2b שַׂר prince, יָתֵד peg, קֶשֶׁת bow, נֹגֵשׂ ruler; §3 מִגְדָּל tower, עִיר city, חוּץ street.

Articles

• Cahill 1999:355 n.30 - "Pinnah", Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros (ed. Ludwig Koehler [Leiden: E. J. Brill 1953]) 767-768. It must be acknowledged that the same dictionary entry regards the usage of " pinnah " in Jer 51,26, Is 28,16 and Ps 118,22, as a reduction of the phrase "'eben pinnah " as found in Job 38,6. Under " Rosh " the same dictionary refers to Ps 118,22 and translates as "Haupteckstein", "main cornerstone".
• Cahill 1999:350 - The structure of the proverb involves two steps, first rejection, and then being chosen for a prominent position. This simply does not fit the role of the cornerstone, which is chosen at the initial stage. Another type of stone is envisaged-one which is used at a subsequent stage. The builders finished the building, and then the moment came for the final stone to be put in place; they rummaged among the rubble of remaining stones and chose one.
• Cahill 1999:350 - To see the crowning stone being chosen from among the discarded stones lying around on the building site, struck someone as signific- ant. The observation was formulated and became a proverb to be used when the pattern of rejection and yet ultimate success was noted in human affairs.

Commentaries

• Allen WBC 2002:167: At v 22 the lay commoners join in the praise, reacting rather like the chorus in a Greek play to the king’s spiritual interpretation of his escape from crisis and brush with death (vv 5, 17). To aid their praise they evidently cite a proverb that expresses transition from humiliation to honor, in which a generally discarded stone became the foundation stone stabilizing two adjacent walls (cf. Job 38:6; Isa 28:16; Jer 51:26).
• Zenger 2011: 241-42: ‘The disputed question of which stone is meant by ראש פנה can be decided only in the context. Since the building is apparently not a new construction, and since the special stone is seen by the “onlookers,” it cannot be the “cornerstone of the foundation” or foundation stone; it must be a corner- stone in an upper part of the building that gives the structure particular security there, or, more probably in my opinion, the pediment or capstone that signals the completion of the building (cf. Zech 4:7).’

References

118:22